LARP Weapons For Use In Live Action Role Playing
What Is The LARP?
Live Action Role Playing (LARP) allows the participants to act out a characters’ actions and “fight” against monsters or each other. LARP evolved from popular role playing games, as people were interested in being “part of the action”.
There are groups all over the world. Some groups specify a particular timeline such as Medieval Times. Other groups have storylines. A LARP group might be small and have 10–30 members while another group might have thousands. Each group has its own standards for costumes, weapons and safety while still following the general guidelines of the LARP organization. All age groups are welcome.
LARP Weapons
The weapons used in the Live Action Role Playing are meant to provide a pain–free safe experience. The weapons used are made of latex or padded pvc (covered in duct tape). The guidelines for their manufacture are strict. Safety is the first and last consideration. Having injuries takes the fun out of the game. Many players want realistic looking weapons which can be at odds with the rules.
Each weapon must meet certain safety standards to be used. The players must also adhere to strict rules of behavior and safety.
- Bows and crossbows can only be used by a LARP certified bow user and all arrows must be padded. Crossbows can have up to a 25 lb. pull. A bow may have up to a 30 lb. pull. There are still groups within the LARP Society that will not allow their use as they are considered to be the most hazardous of the weapons and the possibility of harm to the players is greater.
- Spears and Pikes come in as the next most harmful weapons and must have extra padding and/or bendable tips.
- Foam Swords and Axes are used most frequently and come in a variety of styles from the Medieval to the Ninja.
However, getting weapons made of foam and other materials to look real while still being safe is not easy. Injected foam latex weapons stand up better to the wear and tear of play. They can be made to look like the “real thing”. Padded PVC weapons do not seem to have the realistic look that most players want. Styrofoam weapons have also been made for use in the game but they do not usually last out a battle and constant replacement cost is expensive.
The molded latex weapons have several advantages. They are allergen-free and have a wide range of temperatures they can be used in. They stand up well to the twisting and bending of use, are waterproof and extremely durable to punctures and tears. They are also easily repaired if it becomes necessary which keeps replacement costs down. They can be molded to suit the most detail oriented weapons master. Some of the molded weapons have wood or PVC cores which could cause damage to a player if the latex were torn off. Some foam weapons are a bit like rubber and are more suited to a child’s play toy. Our weapons have carbon fiberglass cores which stand up the best and can easily be molded to a rounded tip.
The LARP Shields we carry are made of high quality cross–linked polyethylene and painted for a fabulous and realistic look. The foam is surprisingly dense and provides ample protection from the enemy.
Caring for LARP Weapons:
Avoid leaving foam weapons in extreme weather conditions, including bright sunlight, intense heat and damp areas. Storing it horizontally (not vertical) with nothing on top. Do not hit hard solid objects with your weapon (like walls). Striking hard with the with the tip can create a crack or rip. Remember to wipe off the blade with a damp washcloth after use and dry the weapon.
For best results, lightly spray your LARP weapons with silicon lubricant once a month and remove the excess. Foam weapons will often expand and appear crackled. This is normal. Your foam weapons will absorb the silicon and return to its original condition in about 15-20 minutes (usable in about one hour).
Repairing LARP Weapons:
If your foam weapons become torn or punctured, we suggest using a latex based adhesive to glue the foam back together. After the adhesive has cured, use a latex based sealant to maintain the waterproofed aspect of foam weapons.
LARP Foam Weapons in our collection include:
LARP SwordsAll the details have been captured to give you a very authentic looking sword. Look closely at the details and you will notice the fine craftsmanship involved.
These swords are part of our premium line of LARP weapons (absolutely the best). These foam weapons are of the highest quality and strength available in the market today. Each of these foam swords is made of high quality cross–linked polyethylane with a hybrid rod core made of carbon–fiberglass.
LARP ShieldsUse incredibly designed foam shields to ensure safety while still being able to enjoy using historical weapons. Each of these foam shields is made of high quality cross–linked polyethylene.
Beat your opponent silly and never really hurt them! These shields are soft foam covered in rubber and painted for a realistic look. The foam is surprisingly dense and provides ample protection from the enemy.
Other LARP Foam WeaponsMaces & Axes – Oh My! Our line of LARP foam weapons allows you to beat your opponent silly and never really hurt them! Each of these foam weapons is made of high quality cross-linked polyethylene with a fiberglass core that has been capped to prevent internal tearing or splitting which can punch-through the foam surface. The fiberglass core stiffens the shaft allowing for greater maneuverability and control while minimizing whippyness.
If you have any questions about our products or would like to have us carry something you did not see here today, contact us and we will see what we can locate for you.
